Torrent Engine
Company No. 1

The St. Johnsbury Fire Department was organized, and began fire protection on October 31st 1843. The first official fire company, Torrent Engine Company No. 1 was established on April 19, 1844 and located in Fairbanks Village. The company protected the village and the Fairbanks Scale Works.

Throughout the years companies were established in the other village areas of Summerville, East Village and, Center Village.

The Torrent Engine Company was formed on April 19, 1844 in the Fairbanks Village Schoolhouse as the first official fire company for the town of St. Johnsbury. The company was located in Mechanics Square in the former Fairbanks Village, located on the Sleepers River in the southwest corner of the town. 

The company was organized to protect the Fairbanks Scales Works as well as the entire village of St. Johnsbury.

Established 1845

Paddock Village - Lower Pleasant Street Area

Membes:

REAR: Pete Jellet, H. Conley, W. Perry, I. Osgood

Location: Railroad Street

Members of the Company in 1894

OFFICERS

F.W. Estabrooks - Foreman

F.L. Woodbury - Asst. Formen

C.P. French - Clerk and Tres.

W.T. Drew - Steward

Established 1891

Concord Ave. - Summerville (Sewin' in Vermont Building)

Established 1845

Location:

1845 -1913 - Main Street

1913 -1923 - Central Station - Eastern Ave.

1923 -1998 - Central Station - Main Street

1998 - Disbanded

Combination 1 - 1912 American LaFrance - Type 5 - Chemical

Combination 1 - 1912 American LaFrance - Type 5 - Chemical

St. Johnsbury Fire Department

Fire Chiefs and Chief Engineers

St. Johnsbury Fire Department History Timeline 1843-1938

1843 - October 31 - The St. Johnsbury Fire Department is established.

1844 - April 19 - Torrent Engine Co. No. 1 is organized as the town's first official fire company. The "hose house" is located at Fairbanks Village.

1845 - The Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company is formed and located on Main street, with 30 men. The Island Hose Company # 3 is formed and located in Paddock Village.